Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth

Tag: history

  • Bring a Little Irish Magic Into Your Year: My New Gaeilge & English 2026 Planner

    Bring a Little Irish Magic Into Your Year: My New Gaeilge & English 2026 Planner

    🌿✨ Planning with Irish Magic: Why I Created a Bilingual Irish & English Planner for 2026

    There are certain places in the world that stay with you long after you’ve packed your bags and returned home. For me, Ireland is one of those places — full of windswept coasts, warm cups of tea and coffee, music drifting from pubs, and a spirit that’s hard to put into words. It’s a place that feels alive with stories, heritage, and culture… my heritage, and it inspired something new that I’ve been so excited to share.

    This year, I created something that brings a little piece of Ireland into everyday life: a 2026 Irish & English Monthly Planner, written in both Gaeilge and English, for anyone who loves culture, slow living, and intentional planning. 🍀📅
    And because I’ve always felt that planning and reflection go hand-in-hand, I also created a matching Irish & English Journal to complement the planner. It’s perfect for notes, gratitude lists, travel memories, or practicing a little Gaeilge each day.

    But before I get to the planner, let me tell you how it came to be.

    Three women standing together and smiling along the grassy coastline in Ireland, with waves crashing against rocky cliffs in the background under a cloudy sky.
    My family and I exploring Ireland! A favorite from the trip.

    🍃 Ireland Has a Way of Staying With You

    My connection to Ireland began with heritage — stories passed down, family roots, and that quiet pride many of us with Irish ancestry carry. But when I visited Ireland? It transformed from a family story into something deeply personal.

    I still remember the first time Ireland truly clicked for me — not just as a beautiful country, but as a feeling. There’s an ease to the way people live. A spark in the music. A deep sense of history layered into the land. Even simple things like hearing the soft melody of Gaeilge woven into conversations made me want to hold onto that magic a little longer. That connection never leaves.

    And if you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know I’m a planner girl at heart. 🧁🫖

    I love intentional routines, cozy planning sessions, and any excuse to add beauty to everyday life.

    So naturally, one day it hit me:

    Why not bring my love for planning and my Irish roots together?

    ✨ The Inspiration Behind the Planner

    When I sat down to design this planner, I wanted it to be more than a calendar. I wanted it to feel like Ireland — gentle, warm, cultural, and full of little sparks of joy.

    I imagined a planner that could be:

    • A celebration of Irish culture
    • A gentle companion for planning your year
    • A bridge between Irish heritage and modern life
    • A tool for Gaeilge learners
    • A keepsake that feels soft, meaningful, and cozy

    So, I create done where every month includes headings in both Irish & English — a lovely way to be surrounded by the language, even if you’re only beginning to learn it. I also included:

    • A year-at-a-glance
    • Monthly calendars
    • Select daily planning pages
    • A vacation itinerary
    • A budgeting section
    • Irish cultural dates + celebrations
    • And that soft, intentional vibe I love

    It’s simple. Beautiful. Practical. And wrapped in Irish charm.

    📘 A Planner for Travelers, Heritage Lovers, and Learners

    This planner is for anyone who wants their year to feel more intentional — with a touch of culture woven through each page.

    It’s perfect for:

    • The traveler dreaming of Ireland
    • The Irish-American reconnecting with family roots
    • The language learner practicing Gaeilge
    • The busy mom who loves a pretty, functional planner
    • The heritage lover who wants something meaningful
    • The student or teacher who loves multicultural resources
    • And honestly… anyone who loves cozy, beautifully designed planners (hi, same 💛)

    Pair it with the matching Irish & English Journal for notes, gratitude, reflections, or even practicing phrases in Gaeilge each day.

    🌈 A Tiny Daily Dose of Culture

    One of my favorite features?
    The cultural dates sprinkled throughout the planner — everything from Lá Fhéile Pádraig to Lá Bealtaine.

    These little notes feel like tiny reminders of connection, tradition, and heritage.
    Almost like Ireland tapping you on the shoulder as you move through your year.

    🍀 Want to Bring a Touch of Ireland into Your 2026?

    If this speaks to your heart the way it did to mine, you can explore the planner here:

    👉 https://a.co/d/4Y1estw

    It comes in two formats:

    📗 Hardcover 8×10 – a beautiful, spacious desk planner
    📘 Paperback 6×9 – lightweight and perfect for travel, bags, and everyday life

    I’ve loved watching this project come to life, and I hope it brings you as much joy as it brought me to create it.

    ☕ Final Thoughts

    Designing this planner and journal set has been such a meaningful experience — a blend of travel memories, Irish heritage, and the cozy creativity I love sharing with you here.

    And honestly? I think that’s the heart of planning itself.
    Not just lists and dates, but little rituals that keep us rooted in who we are.

    If you pick up the planner or journal, I’d love to see how you use it — your flat lays, your favorite spreads, your travel notes, your Irish-inspired moments. 💛✨

    Here’s to a beautiful, intentional, culturally rich 2026.

    Sláinte!

    ,

    © 2025 Elizabeth Settles — cozy stories, modern life, & honest reflections.

  • Things to Do in Stockholm: My Travel Itinerary & Budget-Friendly Guide

    Things to Do in Stockholm: My Travel Itinerary & Budget-Friendly Guide

    Things to Do in Stockholm: My 4-Day Itinerary & Budget Travel Tips

    What an incredible trip so far — I can’t recommend Stockholm, Sweden enough! From historic palaces to cozy cafés and fascinating museums, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer backpacking adventure, here’s a look at my Stockholm travel itinerary, complete with money-saving tips and local highlights.

    🥐 Day 3: The Nobel Museum & Vasa Museum

    Rise and shine in beautiful Stockholm!
    I started my morning with a delicious breakfast at the Zinkensdamm Hostel — one of the best hostels in Stockholm for budget travelers. A good breakfast sets the tone for the day, and this one did not disappoint.

    💡 Budget Tip: I saved money by making sandwiches from the breakfast buffet to enjoy later for lunch (the staff was totally fine with it!). They also provide free pasta in their shared kitchen, which was a lifesaver for longer stays. For extra snacks or picnic food, visit a local COOP grocery store — they’re everywhere and super convenient.

    After breakfast, I took the short ferry across to Djurgården Island to explore the Vasa Museum. The ferry ride takes less than five minutes and offers beautiful views of the city’s waterfront. Stockholm is made up of many small islands connected by bridges and ferries — it’s part of what makes exploring so fun.

    Next, I toured the Nobel Prize Museum. Admission is around $13 USD for adults and free for anyone under 18 — I wish more countries followed this model! My favorite exhibits included tributes to Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr., which were incredibly inspiring.

    👑 Day 4: The Royal Palace & Skansen

    Day four began with a visit to the stunning Royal Palace, located right in the heart of Stockholm. It’s one of Europe’s largest palaces and home to some of Sweden’s most historic treasures.

    While I personally preferred Drottningholm Palace (which I’ll share in a separate post), the Royal Palace has a unique charm — part regal, part modern. Getting there is super easy thanks to Sweden’s efficient public transportation system.

    Afterward, I spent the afternoon at Skansen, one of my favorite experiences in Stockholm. It’s the world’s oldest open-air museum — part cultural village, part zoo — where you can stroll through a recreated 19th-century Swedish town, meet native animals like moose and lynx, and enjoy live demonstrations of traditional crafts. It’s such a peaceful and educational way to experience Swedish culture.

    💰 Stockholm Travel Tips

    ✅ Get the Stockholm Pass if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions — it covers many of the top sites and can save you quite a bit.
    ✅ Use public transit. The metro and ferries are clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
    ✅ Eat smart. Try local cafés and bakeries instead of restaurants for most meals — or cook a few times if your accommodation allows it.
    ✅ Visit museums on free days. Many offer free entry at certain times of the month.

    ✈️ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Stockholm

    Stockholm completely stole my heart. Between the serene ferry rides, beautiful palaces, and friendly locals, it’s a city that blends old-world charm with modern simplicity. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or budget-conscious traveler, Stockholm, Sweden has something for everyone.

    Have you visited Stockholm? Share your favorite spots or travel tips in the comments below! 💬

    📸 Photo Gallery

  • Celebrating Black History Month

    Celebrating Black History Month

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    Jacket by: Siricasso
    Photos by: Jaycasso_38

  • Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Inspiration Boards & Unapologetic Role Models

    Have you ever watched The Secret? It’s one of those self-help documentaries that really makes you think about how powerful your mindset can be. One of my favorite takeaways was the idea of creating a vision board (or as I like to call it, an inspiration board). It’s such a simple but meaningful way to keep your goals front and center — a daily reminder of what you’re working toward. The idea is that what you focus on, you attract. ✨

    Lately, I’ve been filling my inspiration board with incredible womxn who remind me what strength, confidence, and authenticity look like — Mareena Robinson Snowden, Tarana Burke, and Amandla Stenberg.

    Mareena Robinson Snowden is the first Black womxn to earn a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from MIT. How amazing is that?! She’s brilliant, driven, and unapologetically herself. I love that she’s so open about her journey — how she wasn’t always sure STEM was for her, but with persistence, support, and curiosity, she carved her path. She reminds me that Black is professional, and that confidence is something you build, not something you’re just born with.

    Tarana Burke — what an honor it was to meet her while I was a student at Iowa State University. As the founder of the movement, she spoke with such honesty and power. I remember leaving that lecture feeling seen, hopeful, and inspired to take action. When someone asked her what comes next for the movement, she said simply: “You.” That has stayed with me ever since. Her message was clear — if you want change, be part of it. Lift others up. Support, don’t tear down.

    And then there’s Amandla Stenberg. I admire her so much for her activism and her willingness to speak truth to power. She even turned down a role in Black Panther so that a darker-skinned actress could take it instead. That’s the kind of integrity and awareness that makes her such a role model. She celebrates Blackness in all its beauty and complexity — and that’s powerful.

    These womxn have one thing in common: they work hard, lift others up, and live unapologetically. They remind me that confidence, compassion, and courage are all connected.

    And of course, I can’t forget my honorable mentions: Michelle Obama, Zoë Kravitz, Gabrielle Union, Natalie Portman, and Reese Witherspoon — all inspiring in their own unique ways. 🌸

    Here’s to filling our vision boards — and our lives — with purpose, strength, and the people who remind us to shine without apology.

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    Easy Irish-Inspired Comfort Recipes for Winter Nights

    Warm up your winter with cozy, Irish-inspired comfort foods. From buttery colcannon and easy homemade sausage rolls to a rich Slow Cooker Guinness Beef Stew, these hearty dishes bring a touch of Ireland to your kitchen. Simple, rustic, and full of flavor — perfect for cold nights and busy days.

    by Elizabeth

    Cozy Holiday Traditions I’m Bringing Into Motherhood

    Cozy blankets, twinkling lights, and slow Christmas mornings—this year, I’m leaning into simple, meaningful holiday traditions as a mom. From stockings “delivered” by Santa to Butter Braids, Christmas Eve church, family photos with our pup, and intentional gift-giving, these are the sweet, heartwarming rituals that make the season feel like home. Perfect inspiration for families,…

    by Elizabeth

    Bring a Little Irish Magic Into Your Year: My New Gaeilge & English 2026 Planner

    Bring a touch of Ireland into your everyday routine with my new 2026 bilingual Irish & English planner and matching journal. Inspired by my own Irish heritage and a meaningful family trip to Ireland, this cozy set blends culture, intentional planning, and the magic of Gaeilge into one beautiful keepsake. Perfect for travelers, heritage lovers,…

    by Elizabeth
  • Following My Grandma’s Footsteps in Sweden: Reflections on Equality, Culture & Connection

    Following My Grandma’s Footsteps in Sweden: Reflections on Equality, Culture & Connection

    While reading through my grandmother’s travel diary from her time in Sweden, I came across an entry that stopped me in my tracks:

    “Swedes are allowed to go anywhere, eat in the grass at the palace lawn, see parks as they wish. The new law is that the Princess who is older than her brother will be queen. We Swedes are implementing equal rights for women!”
    ~ Vivian Olson, June 17th

    I found myself smiling — not just because of her words, but because I had nearly the same thoughts during my own visit to Sweden decades later.

    There’s something truly special about how open and accessible life feels there. I remember watching newlyweds taking photos outside a royal palace, families picnicking on the palace lawn, and children playing with their dogs in the gardens. In so many other parts of the world, these spaces are roped off or reserved for the elite. But in Sweden, the royal grounds feel like they belong to everyone. That sense of shared belonging left such an impression on me.

    Just as my grandma observed, Sweden continues to lead with progressive values — especially when it comes to gender equality. Women have a strong voice in government, and citizens tend to vote based on values and policies rather than gender. It’s a refreshing contrast to what I often see in the U.S., where the focus can still be on who is breaking barriers instead of why they’re leading.

    Yet, even in Sweden, there’s acknowledgment that progress is ongoing. Equality is not a finish line but a continual effort — a mindset I think both our nations are still navigating.

    I love seeing how my grandmother’s reflections and mine intertwine — two generations apart, yet observing the same beauty in everyday freedoms and the same hope for equality. Her words remind me how much our perspectives are shaped by those who came before us, and how their journeys continue to guide our own.

    Side Note: Some Swedes still feel their country has work to do in reaching full equality — which makes me wonder: how far behind is the U.S.? Are we striving toward an ideal that even the most progressive nations are still perfecting?

  • A Sense of Unity — Connecting with My Grandmother in Sweden

    A Sense of Unity — Connecting with My Grandmother in Sweden

    Peak morning, this sunny mile through peaceful wooden Sweden,
    sense of a unity of my blood with all I see.
    I wish Mom would have seen this.
    It is so wonderful to think it is my heritage,
    this graceful, serene land.
    Saw a deer back in the wood.”

    — Vivian Olson, June 15th, 1986

    Reading this entry from my grandmother’s diary fills me with so much warmth. When I picture being back in Sweden, it feels like home — calm, familiar, and full of quiet beauty. In so many ways, I feel like my grandparents are there with me, walking those same sunlit paths and breathing in the same crisp air.

    During my own visit to Sweden, I often found myself thinking about those who came before me — the generations that shaped who I am today. My grandma and I both experienced the same awe for the Swedish landscape, the same peace in its forests, and the same feeling of belonging that transcends time.

    There’s something incredibly special about reading her words and realizing we shared this deep appreciation for the country that’s part of our heritage. Her poems and reflections remind me that history doesn’t just repeat itself — it connects us. Even though she’s gone, her voice continues to guide me, bridging the past and present in the most beautiful way.